Brisbane residents have been left shaking their head after a lack of direction from Council has caused the Rivermakers Markets to postpone their events until next year.
It’s believed one isolated complaint over traffic changes led to the recent announcement, despite two busy markets in July and August.
The sites neighbour, Australian Country Choice abattoir lodged the traffic complaint with council, before telling media outlets that the traffic at the July event had meant trucks carrying live cattle could not enter its property.
Mark Power from Goodwill Projects organised the markets and said the scenic stretch on the Brisbane River has the required zoning for the market, but admits the popularity did lead to some traffic and parking problems.
Goodwill Projects released a statement stating, “Rivermakers, which has quickly become one of southeast Queensland’s premier farmers markets after just two weeks of trade, has made the difficult decision to postpone future markets until 2025.”
“This pause comes as we clarify the statutory approvals in response to a singular complaint by a neighbouring business.
“Our priority remains removing any future uncertainties and resuming trade as a family-focused farmers market.
“The market and the neighbouring businesses are not mutually exclusive.
“This was clearly demonstrated in the second week of trade following the popular opening day.
“We look forward to working with the council and the State Government in realising the best use of this location — in this case for six hours on a Sunday morning.’’
The statement went on to thank the hundreds of stallholders but said the decision “while disappointing, will ultimately benefit everyone involved’’.
Morningside Ward Councillor, Lucy Collier is a supporter of the Rivermakers Markets and says she’s disappointed they’ve had to postpone.
“It is extremely unfortunate that Council couldn’t work proactively with these market organisers to sort these issues out.
“I still strongly believe that Council should be working to solve these issues with organisers – not shutting them down.
“Despite my repeated requests, including raising the matter in a recent Council meeting and writing to the CEO of Brisbane City Council, I’ve not had any briefing from Council on these markets,” Cr Collier said.
